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In the world of social media, follower counts have long been hailed as the ultimate metric of success. However, a recent statement by the Instagram Chief, Adam Mosseri, challenges this notion, suggesting that follower counts may not accurately reflect an account's true value. As experts who are deeply entrenched in the realm of social media analytics, we couldn't agree more.
So, what really matters?
The idea that follower counts are not a reliable indicator of account value may come as a shock to many, especially considering how much emphasis has been placed on amassing large followings. But let's pause and reflect on this for a moment. What does a follower count really tell us about the success of an Instagram account?
In our opinion, it really depends on the overall goals for the account. If the aim is to drive traffic to a website, generate leads, increase newsletter sign-ups, or boost sales, then follower counts alone are insufficient. Instead, it's crucial to focus on metrics that directly align with these objectives.
For us, reach and external link clicks have always been top priorities when tracking insights on Instagram. Reach measures the number of unique users who see your content, providing valuable insights into the extent of your audience. Meanwhile, external link clicks indicate how many users are actively engaging with your content and taking the next step to click through to your offer or to simply learn more.
Learn even more about your audience
Analyzing reach and link clicks allows us to gauge the effectiveness of our clients’ content in driving traffic to the designated link in their bios. Whether it's encouraging users to explore a product page, sign up for a newsletter, or make a purchase, these metrics offer tangible evidence of engagement and conversion. We suggest using a landing platform, like Linktree, to gain even more insight into where they are clicking once they arrive at your link platform.
Moreover, delving into individual post insights provides even deeper insights into link clicks. By examining which specific posts are driving the most traffic to the link in your bio, you can refine your content strategy to further optimize conversion rates. Understanding the types of content that resonate most with your audience enables you to tailor future posts for maximum impact.
Of course, this isn't to say that follower growth is irrelevant. Building a sizable and engaged following is still important for expanding your reach and increasing brand visibility. However, month-to-month follower growth should be viewed in conjunction with conversion rates rather than in isolation.
Ultimately, the goal of any Instagram account should be to cultivate a community of engaged followers who take meaningful actions, whether it's visiting your website, signing up for your services, or making a purchase. Focusing solely on follower counts can obscure this broader objective and lead to misguided strategies.
The Instagram Chief's assertion that follower counts are not a good indicator of account value is a wake-up call for social media marketers everywhere. It's time to shift our focus away from vanity metrics and towards metrics that truly matter—metrics that reflect engagement, conversion, and ultimately, the success of our endeavors. By prioritizing reach, external link clicks, and conversion rates, we can unlock the full potential of Instagram as a powerful tool for business growth and brand development.
So, the next time you find yourself obsessing over your follower count, remember to look beyond the numbers and consider the real impact of your Instagram presence. After all, it's not about how many followers you have, but rather what you do with them that counts.
